Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata is edging closer to a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Manchester United the favourites to sign him up, despite interest from Atletico Madrid.

According to reports in the Telegraph, as well as several newspapers on the European continent, the Spanish side have tried to temper United's interest in Mata with the promise of first option for David Moyes on Felipe Luis and Diego Costa.

In essence then, Moyes would get the chance to sign the pair as long as he agrees in principal not to bid for 25 year-old Mata, who wants to leave Chelsea to try and make Spain's World Cup squad.

It is a tactic employed by Atletico knowing that they are not in a financial position to compete with United for Mata on cash alone. However, the Telegraph has suggested that talks to bring the former Valencia midfielder to Old Trafford are gathering pace and that, while the services if Luis might still be required outright, the chances of Mata going to Madrid remain ever distant.